ELECTION 101: SURVIVAL TIPS

Tomorrow, Nigerians will be deciding the fate of the country for the next 4 years. I'm not here to campaign for anyone or teach you how to pick your candidate, I'm just here to give you a few tips on how to make voting as seamless as possible.

TODAY

By now I'm sure most people already know who they're voting for. If you've not made up your mind yet, try to get familiar with all the candidates, not just the popular ones and go through their manifestos. Make sure whoever you pick wants the best for the country (or state).

TOMORROW

Wake up early: This will give you enough time to prepare for the day ahead. Make sure you go to bed early so you can be up early and get to your polling unit on time.

Have a very good but not too heavy breakfast. You'll need the energy. You should pack snacks too for when you get hungry later in the day.

Drink water, pack water: It seems like harmattan is not sure whether or not it wants to leave, so it's important to prepare for it anyway. Drink enough water before you leave the house and pack an extra bottle too.

Wear very comfortable clothes: I can't overemphasise this, it'll get hot later in the day so wear clothes that will keep you comfortable all through the day.

Go with sun protection: Sunscreens, face caps and sunglasses are very essential. Don't add sunburns to your list of problems.

Pack a powerbank, earphones, some money and other things you'll need to make yourself comfortable in a small bag that you can easily wear on your shoulder or around your waist so your hands aren't occupied most of the time.

Pack your medications. If you need medication e.g an inhaler for asthma or insulin injections for diabetes, don't forget to pack them.

Don't forget your PVC: Very important, you should go with another means of identification too.

Leave your house early. Since cars will not be allowed to move except previously authorized, you'll need to leave the house early so you can get to your polling unit on time. Walk with a friend or neighbour if you can.

Keep kids at home. However if for an unavoidable reason you have to go with your child(ren), make sure they don't wander. Keep their bags light and don't let them leave your sight for a moment.

AT THE POLLING UNIT

Keep conversations neutral: You can be friendly/civil with other voters but try your best to keep conversations as neutral as possible. Nobody knows what lengths people are willing to go for their candidates.

Be very vigilant. At the sign of any trouble please, flee.

IF YOU WON’T BE VOTING

At the end of it all, I really hope Nigerians make the right choices and we have free and fair elections. Don't sell your vote! The money will finish but bad leadership will have a more lasting effect.